There's nothing that can stop Christmas from being celebrated around the globe. Despite the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by it, the Christmas spirit is alive in peoples' hearts. The Christmas essence and overriding desire of sharing cheers and blessings come to the fore, especially at this time of crisis brought about by an invisible enemy.

With this aim of sharing cheers and raise funds for future projects of NARRA*, a group of talented Fil-Aus artists had pooled their talent in the recording and production of the Christmas 12 Songs album, 

All the tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered at Mojo Studios Sydney Australia and produced by composer-singer-arranger-musician Oliver Gadista.  He also wrote and produced Track #7 of the album - Santa Bring My Baby Home.  

The Christmas 12 Songs initiative is not the first time that Oliver has spearheaded and lent his creativity and music talent to producing a fundraising album.  In 2012, he did  The One album to raise funds for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan and the Christmas Is On the Air of the FilpPressSydney group for women's shelter. The following year he was responsible for True Lights of Christmas produced for the Freemasons to benefit NSW Down Syndrome Kids and in the middle of 2020 we had Heroes of the World for the bushfire benefit.


Asked what motivates him to continue with these undertakings, Oliver said:

"To be able to give something back to the community using your passion is the best feeling you can have. The friendship you make along the way makes it even better. So I guess that’s where most of my inspiration comes from the journey.

His definition of Christmas is:

"Christmas to me is about giving love and a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ."

THE ARTISTS

The songs and the artists who performed in the album are shown below:

We asked the artists to comment on what being part of the initiative or what Christmas means to them.  We are glad to share some of the responses we received

Sophie Dalisay

Christmas is a season of togetherness, another opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. This is what sets this celebration apart from any other. My family and I love to remember the Light and Hope brought into this world, the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrating the life of our Saviour is the greatest gift.

Jojo Sebastian

The most wonderful part of the Christmas Season is being with my family and the people that I love, the worst part is not having my father here anymore. He passed away in 2017, a few days before my birthday. He was always the person who initiates and heads the Christmas decorations which means the start of the festive season. I miss my mother and family who are Hawai'i dearly. I know this year its been extra hard for everyone because of the pandemic. However, with Faith in God we will get through this, and be with our loved ones soon.

Charles Chan

Being part of this new Gadista Music Album, 12 Christmas Songs to help with NARRA's future project is indeed a big privilege. In this time of pandemic, I am overjoyed that I am able to bring some smiles, joy, hope and love to people that have in one way or another been a victim of COVID19. I wish this Christmas songs will fill your heart with a lots of happiness, strength and determination to see a better tomorrow.

Pacific Diva

I grew up NOT celebrating Christmas! You see I grew up in a religion that did not believe that our Saviour was born on December 25th. When my daughter was born, it was then I started to celebrate Christmas in my domestic life. I could see that it was a way to bring family together, to forgive and start anew as a symbolism of rebirth, a time to remind us about the power of generosity, to connect to each other with kindness and of course, and to sing the best songs in public without people giving you weird looks. I see it as a symbolism of hope for humanity and that every soul can make a difference in this world no matter how big or small. 

June Young

Christmas is about family, good health and sharing. We are glad to help Narra Co-op with their community project this Christmas by sharing the talent God blessed us. My family joins me in wishing all the true spirit of Christmas and may it shine in our hearts forever.

David Michael White

I’ve loved Christmas from as far back as I can remember and have many fond memories of years past.  Each year I’m humbled to be able to celebrate Christ’s birth, blessed to be able to give presents to my loved ones, thrilled to sing carols and songs at the top of my lungs, giddy with anticipation for Santa to stop by, and always make it a goal spread as much happiness, love and joy as I possibly can. I believe the Christmas Spirit helps to make the world a better place and is something that I try to keep with me all throughout the year. 

Mirasol Loyaga

Christmas means a lot to me and to become a part of this program is amazing. Hopefully this Christmas we can all get together as one family to share the love around us all without COVID 19 restrictions. For myself to be a part of the 12 songs of Christmas CD,  it fills my heart with joy and gratitude to be able to help and provide for others who are in need.

Trinity Young

May we find something that we can be grateful for this Christmas! Something that we learned perhaps during this time of crisis. Something that made us stronger yet merciful. God bless us and Merry Christmas to all!

Michelle Baltazar & Marcus Rivera

There are some Christmas traditions that the pandemic can't touch, including gathering around the table for noche buena with Christmas carols playing in the background. We hope we can bring a little bit of Christmas magic to your celebration this year with this special album created by the community for the world to enjoy.

Albert Prias

Christmas reminds me of So many beautiful things when I was young. We always wake up on Christmas Day with a stocking full of goodies from Santa. It’s always the happiest day of the year so when I’m feeling sad or stressed on something, I always think of Christmas Day.

HOW TO AVAIL OF A COPY OF THE ALBUM

The album costs $18 for online download and $20 for a physical CD. To avail online, go to Bandcamp.com then search for  Christmas 12 songs or go to gadistamusic.  For the physical CD, contact Albie Prias on 0402533587.

There will be a Concert Launch for the album on the 4th of December at Pabico Restaurant, Mt Druitt from 6.30pm. A few of the artists will perform at the launch and CDs will be available on sale.  For booking and enquiries, contact Albie.

MESSAGE FROM ALBIE PRIAS, PRESIDENT, NARRA

I would like to thank Oliver Gadista for producing the Christmas 12 Songs album and to all the singers who said yes in participating in this project. Everyone is busy with their work and previous commitments but they spared some time to travel and learn the songs as arranged by Oliver.  My thanks too for all the supporters of this initiative. In behalf of Narra Co-op officers and members, our sincere thanks to all for your full support of this project. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

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* NARRA is the acronym for NATIONAL AFFILIATION OF RESPECTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ASSOCIATIONS CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED. This is an non-trading Co-operative with share capital. Registered under the Co-operatives act 1992 (N.S.W).    

Narra Co-op is a community organisation whose aim is to build a Community Art Center to promote Philippine Culture and Traditions. The target is 8Million Dollars to build the Multi-purpose Centre primarily to house Artwork and Hold Culture and Community events, seminars and skill building workshops.  

We encourage everyone to be a member of the organisation to gain free access of the Photography and Recording studio and the 50 people capacity Community Hub at ACI Central in Campbelltown. To join, please contact any member or officer of the organisation. Joining fee is $140.

 

 

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